Control device for selectively removing and returning adjacent items contained in a magazine

ABSTRACT

A control device for selectively removing a number of adjacent items contained in a magazine and returning them thereto comprises a movement transfer mechanism for displacing the magazine relative to a fixed stand and a lift which upon actuation dependent upon the position of the magazine relative to the stand engages and lifts a desired item. The movement transfer mechanism is displaceable between different positions along a guide forming an angle of substantially 90* with the direction of movement of the magazine and comprises a handle which is pivotable around a horizontal shaft and adapted to take a desired number of different positions along the guide. The handle is also adapted for actuating a switch which, dependent upon the direction of pivoting the handle starts or reverses a driving motor for the lift engaging one item. The handle is mounted on a carriage guide bar and a support arm and together with the carriage form a movement transfer member of substantially triangular shape.

United States Patent 1 Ohison et al.

[ CONTROL DEVICE FOR SELECTIVELY REMOVING AND RETURNING ADJACENT ITEMS CONTAINED IN A MAGAZINE [75] Inventors: Carl-Eric Ohison, Eric Oscar Ohlson, both of Solna, Sweden [73] Assignee: Swift 8: Company, Chicago, Ill.

[22] Filed: Oct. 8, 1970 [21] Appl. No.: 79,133

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data 3,606,034 9/1971 Lewis 312/223 X [1 1 3,739,510 June 19, 1973 Primary Examiner-James C. Mitchell Attorney-Fleit, Gipple & Jacobson [57] ABSTRACT them thereto comprises a movement transfer mechanism for displacing the magazine relative to a fixed stand and a lift which upon actuation dependent upon the position of the magazine relative to the stand engages and lifts a desired item. The movement transfer mechanism is displaceable between different positions along a guide forming an angle of substantially 90 with the'direction of movement of the magazine and comprises a handle which is pivotable around a horizontal shaft and adapted to take a desired number of different positions along the guide. The handle is also adapted for actuating a switch which, dependent upon the direction of pivoting the handle starts or reverses a driving motor for the lift engaging one item. The handle is mounted on a carriage guide bar and a support arm and together with the carriage form a movement transfer member of substantially triangular shape.

10 Claims, 5 Drawing; Figures PATENTEU 373K510 SHEEI I BF 4 In van bra 6314- Eric 0h Isa I PAIENIEnJun v 91915 SHEEI 2 0f 4 PAT-ENIEDJUN191975 3739.510 snmu er 4 CGNTROL DEVICE FOR SELECTIVELY REMOVING AND RETURNING ADJACENT ITEMS CONTAINED IN A MAGAZINE The present invention concerns a control device for selectively removing and returning adjacent items contained in a magazine, said control device comprising a means for moving said magazine in a substantially horizontal direction relative to a stand, and, a lift means which upon actuation dependent upon the position of the magazine relative to the stand engages a desired item and lifts it out of the magazine.

For reliable function a control device of that kind must fullfill a number of different requirements. One important requirement is that the magazine takes an exact position when the lift means starts its movement so that the desired item is lifted and so that the magazine is not inadvertently dislodged until the item has been returned. Further, the magazine has to be easily replaceable between the different positions and it must be easy to stop the movement of the magazine in the desired position. For instance a magazine in an inspection cabinet for X-ray photograph as a rule comprises a number of large and heavy frames. Accordingly, a heavy weight has to be put into movement and stopped in correct position, respectively, which must be done by a person situated in front of the cabinet. That person often wishes to sit on a chair in order to be able to conveniently study the X-ray photographs being lifted into an observation position in front of the illuminated glass screen of the cabinet.

Still another requirement is that the magazine be easy to remove and replace. Certain difficulties will arise, especially if the magazine is large and heavy. Further requirements are that the control of the magazine as far as possible is coordinated with the control of the lift means, preferably so that the person operating the device with one hand can in one single manipulation accomplish both displacement of the magazine to the desired position and operation of the lift means. Previously known control devices for the said purpose have been extremely complicated and costly by having made use of a complex system of electrical circuits for the control of the magazine and of the lift means.

An object of the present invention is to accomplish a simple reliable and sturdy control device which fullfills the requirements mentioned above.

The invention is mainly characterized in that the means for moving said magazine comprises a movement transfer mechanism engaging one or more members on said magazine and being displaceable between different positions along a guide on said stand, said guide forming an angle of substantially 90 with the direction of movement of said magazine.

The invention renders possible an accurate control and simple steering of the magazine and its content by a person, for example sitting in front of an inspection device to which the magazine belongs.

It is preferred that the movement transfer mechanism comprises a handle which is pivotable around a horizontal shaft and provided with a first means cooperating with a desired number of secondary means defining said different positions on said guide, the distance between said secondary means being such that a displacement of the handle between two adjacent positions accomplishes a forwardly or backwardly directed movement of the magazine corresponding to the distance between two items therein.

A person operating the'devicethen has complete control thereof by means of one single conveniently positioned handle. f

Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description of some embodiments thereof given below. The description is made in connection with the annexed drawings showing the invention applied in an inspection cabinet for X'Ray photographs.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the frame for an inspection cabinet for X-Ray photographs having a control device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a movement transfer mechanism belonging to the control device according to FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a vertical section through part of the transfer mechanism according to FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a detent means locking the magazine when the lift means starts its upward movement.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an inspection cabinet having a table which together with the movement transfer mechanism is pivotable upwardly when the magazine is to be removed.

Referring to FIG. 1 a stand for an inspection cabinet for X-Ray photographs made of metal beams has been denoted l. A magazine 2 is movable in the stand and provided with adjacent frames 3 for X-Ray photo graphs. The magazine has for this purpose support rolls 4 and guide rolls 5 rolling on corresponding paths la and lb, respectively, on the stand.

A lift mechanism for the frames comprises an electric motor 7 driving endless chains 8 which travels around upper and lower sprocket wheels 9, 10, 11 journalled in the stand. The chains are provided with lift members 8a, engaging projections 3a on the frames. Correct positioning of the magazine relative to the stand will insure that the desired frame will be lifted.

At its bottom portion each frame has a hook member (not shown) which when the frame is lifted engages an adjacent frame so that two frames are moved into an inspection position in front of the illuminated screen area of the cabinet.

In FIG. 4 a lift member 84 on one chain 8 engages a projection 30 on one of the frames 3. This figure also shows a member 12 secured to the chain and cooperating with a detent device 14, 14a, 14b pivotable around a shaft 13. The member 12 serves for locking the magazine in the position taken when the movement of the lift mechanism is started. The detent device which may be spring actuated has a knob 14a receivable in any of a series of recesses 15a in a segment 15 on the magazine 2. The knob remains in the locking position until member 12 on return of the lift mechanism actuates a member 14b so that the knob is freed from the recess 15a.

In order to displace the comparatively heavy magazine a manually operated movement transfer mechanism 42 is used. Said mechanism is substantially triangular in shape and comprises a carriage 17 which is displaceable along a guide 16 on the stand and provided with rolls 18 having grooves 18a and journalled around vertical shafts. The grooves 18a engage opposite sides of the guide 16. An arm 19 is secured to one end of the carriage 17 by means of a stay member 17a so that the arm takes an acute angle relative to the carriage. A bar 19a is secured to the bottom side of the arm. A support arm 20 projects from the other end of the carriage and is at its outer end attached to the arm 19. Opposite edges of the bar 19a are engaged by guide rolls 21, 22 which are journalled by means of ball bearings on a plate 23 fixed to a boss 24 projecting from the magazine. A support roll 25 for the bar 19a is joumalled on plate 23.

The movement transfer mechanism 42 is displaced by means of a handle 26 which is pivotable around a shaft 27 on carriage 117. For this purpose the handle is screwed into one end of a rocker lever 26a the other end of which has a knob 28 receivable in any of a number of recesses 29 when the handle is pressed downward. The recesses 29 are formed in a positioning member 30 attached to the bottom side of guide 16. The number of recesses corresponds to the number of frames in the magazine and reception of the knob 28 in one predetermined recess will cause the magazine to take an exactly determined position, so that the desired frame will be lifted when thereafter a pulse is given for the start of the driving motor of the lift mechanism. For convenience recesses 29 are numbered. When handle 26 is moved to a zero position at one side of the positioning member 30 the magazine can be withdrawn from the stand and replaced by another one when so desired. To simplify this operation the magazine, as will be apparent from FIG. l, is provided with a wheel 31 which engages the ground. Further, the outer portion of the roller track is for the magazine is made sloping so that at said zero-position, the magazine automatically rolls out a certain length on the floor where it can be easily handled. The magazine has also one or more handles (not shown) being positioned at appropriate places so as to facilitate the handling-of the magazine when on the floor.

FIG. 3 shows rocking lever 26a provided with a knob 28 and in addition carrying a stud 32 received in an U- shaped channel member 33 extending in parallel with the positioning member 30. The channel member 33 cooperates with a microswitch for the driving motor of the lift mechanism. The arrangement is such that move ment in one direction, for instance upwardly, by stud 32 excites the driving motor of the lift device to start an upwardly directed movement, whereas a downwardly directed movement of stud 32 reverses the driving motor of the lift device so that desired frames are lifted or returned to their storage position in the magazine.

Instead of using separate hook members on the frames as mentioned above, lifting of two adjacent frames can be accomplished by using two separate lift members 8a suitably spaced on each chain 8. That embodiment is shown in MG. 4. Suitably positioned limit switches (not shown) ensures that the frames are lifted to a desired position above the magazine. A specific switch may be used in order to lift the magazines to a predetermined height Whereas handle 26 is used when there is a wish to interrupt the lifting movement and return the actual frame or frames to the magazine.

In FIG. there is shown a somewhat modified embodiment of a complete inspection cabinet having a control device according to the invention. The cabinet is provided with a pivotable table 40. The movement transfer mechanism 32 is also pivotable. For this purpose the guide members 16 are pivotably joumalled in the stand. For convenience the arrangement is such that the transfer mechanism follows the table when it pivots, for instance when the magazine is to be removed or for inspection or repair.

The ability to replace the magazine provides a certain advantage, for instance in a hospital, as then a set of whereas rolls 21, 22 are joumalled on the displaceable I carriage 17.

What we claim is:

l. A control device for selectively removing and returning adjacent items contained in a magazine, said control device comprising a means for moving said magazine in a substantially horizontal direction relative to a stand and a lift means which upon actuation dependent upon the position of the magazine relative to the stand engages a desired item and lifts it out of the magazine, wherein said means for moving said magazine comprises a movement transfer mechanism engaging one or more members on said magazine and being displaceable between different positions along a guide on said stand, said guide forming an angle of substantially with the direction of movement of said magazine.

2. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movement transfer mechanism comprises a handle which is pivotable around a horizontal shaft and provided with a first means cooperating with a desired number of secondary means defining said different positions on said guide, the distance between said secondary means being such that a displacement of the handle between two adjacent positions accomplishes a forwardly or backwardly directed movement of the magazine corresponding to the distance between two items therein.

3. A control device according to claim 2, wherein said handle is adapted for actuating a switch which dependent upon the direction of pivoting the handle starts or reverses a driving motor for the lift means engaging one item.

4. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lift means upon actuation is adapted to lock the magazine relative to the stand so as to prevent displacement of the movement transfer mechanism.

5. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movement transfer mechanism comprises a bar having at least one portion forming an acute angle with said guide and rolls joumalled on vertical shafts on an upright projecting from the magazine engaging opposite sides of said bar.

6. A control device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said movement transfer mechanism comprises a carriage movable along said guide, said bar being secured adjacent one end of said carriage, rolls journalled on vertical shafts on said carriage engaging opposite sides of said guide, a support arm forming an acute angle with said bar being secured adjacent the other end of said carriage and the outer end of said bar, said carriage, said bar and said support arm together forming a movement transfer member of substantially triangular shape.

7. A control device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a support roll for said bar is journalled on a horizontal shaft of said upright.

8. A control device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said movement transfer mechanism is movable along said guide to a zero position in which said magazine is released from engagement with said transfer mechanism, said magazine having rolls engaging roller paths on said stand, said roller paths having a sloping outer portion, so that said magazine automatically rolls out of said stand, when said movement transfer mechanism takes said zero position, said magazine also being provided with ground engaging wheels so that it is movable between different places of use.

9. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said guide is pivotably journalled in said stand so as to permit an upwardly directed rocking movement of the position out of engagement UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION PATENT NO. I 3, 739, 510

DATED June 19, 1973 INVENTOR(S) t CARL-ERIC OHLSON & ERIC OSCAR OHLSON It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the title page, delete erroneous information as follows:

- [73] Assignee: Swift & Company, Chicago, Ill.

- Signed and Scaled this Fifth D f June 1979 [SEAL] A ttest:

RU M ASON DONALD W. BANNER Attesting OflIcer Commissioner of Patents Jud, Trademarks UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,739,510 Dated June 19, 1973 CARL-ERIC OHLSQN 8: ERIC OSCAR OHLSON It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the Headihg; -"Ohison et al." should be changed to d Ohlsori et al.

The name of theinventor "Carl-Eric Ohison" should be changed to read Carl-Eric Ohlson Signed andsealed this 11th day of June 1971;.

(SEAL) i Attest: v

EDWARD M.FLETCHER,J'R. c. MARSHALL mum Atteating Officer Commissioner of Patents PC4050 (10459) uscoMM-Dc 60376-P69 W U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING QIHCI ll, 0*30'31, 

1. A control device for selectively removing and returning adjacent items contained in a magazine, said control device comprising a means for moving said magazine in a substantially horizontal direction relative to a stand and a lift means which upon actuation dependent upon the position of the magazine relative to the stand engages a desired item and lifts it out of the magazine, wherein said means for moving said magazine comprises a movement transfer mechanism engaging one or more members on said magazine and being displaceable between different positions along a guide on said stand, said guide forming an angle of substantially 90* with the direction of movement of said magazine.
 2. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movement transfer mechanism comprises a handle which is pivotable around a horizontal shaft and provided with a first means cooperating with a desired number of secondary means defining said different positions on said guide, the distance between said secondary means being such that a displacement of the handle between two adjacent positions accomplishes a forwardly or backwardly directed movement of the magazine corresponding to the distance between two items therein.
 3. A control device according to claim 2, wherein said handle is adapted for actuating a switch which dependent upon the direction of pivoting the handle starts or reverses a driving motor for the lift means engaging one item.
 4. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lift means upon actuation is adapted to lock the magazine relative to the stand so as to prevent displacement of the movement transfer mechanism.
 5. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said movement transfer mechanism comprises a bar having at least one portion forming an acute angle with said guide and rolls journalled on vertical shafts on an upright projecting from the magazine engaging opposite sides of said bar.
 6. A control device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said movement transfer mechanism comprises a carriage movable along said guide, said bar being secured adjacent one end of said carriage, rolls journalled on vertical shafts on said carriage engaging opposite sides of said guide, a support arm forming an acute angle with said bar being secured adjacent the other end of said carriage and the outer end of said bar, said carriage, said bar and said support arm together forming a movement transfer member of substantially triangular shape.
 7. A control device as claimed in claim 6, wherein a support roll for said bar is journalled on a horizontal shaft of said upright.
 8. A control device as claimed in claim 5, wherein said movement transfer mechanism is movable along said guide to a zero position in which said magazine is released from engagement with said transfer mechanism, said magazine having rolls engaging roller paths on said stand, said roller paths having a sloping outer portion, so that said magazine automatically rolls out of said stand, when said movement transfer mechanism takes said zero position, said magazine also being provided with ground engaging wheels so that it is movable between different places of use.
 9. A control device as claimed iN claim 1, wherein said guide is pivotably journalled in said stand so as to permit an upwardly directed rocking movement of the transfer mechanism to a position out of engagement with said magazine.
 10. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said magazine belongs to an inspection cabinet for X-Ray photographs and contains a number of adjacent frames for said photographs, each said frame having an outwardly projecting portion engageable by said lift means. 